Northern Railway Explores Truck-on-Train Service for J&K to Tackle Highway Disruptions
Jammu, May 28, KNT: Northern Railway is actively exploring the introduction of a Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) “Truck-on-Train” freight service in Jammu and Kashmir aimed at strengthening supply-chain resilience and reducing dependence on disruption-prone highway routes.
The initiative was discussed during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Jammu Rail Division in collaboration with representatives of the J&K Truck Association and the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
The proposed RO-RO model would allow fully loaded trucks to drive directly onto specially designed railway wagons using loading ramps, travel by rail and disembark at designated destinations, reducing exposure to vulnerable mountain road stretches.
The proposal assumes significance amid recurring disruptions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, frequently affected by landslides, weather-related closures and traffic congestion.
Railway officials and stakeholders reportedly discussed infrastructure requirements, freight demand and operational logistics necessary for launching the service from railway terminals within the Jammu division.
Officials are also understood to be examining the possibility of extending the RO-RO facility toward Srinagar as part of a broader multimodal transport strategy for the Union Territory.
The planned system is designed to operate through designated freight terminals where trucks would arrive, be guided onto loading ramps, secured on railway wagons and transported by train before being unloaded at destination points.
Supporters of the initiative say the model could substantially lower freight costs by reducing fuel consumption, toll expenses and wear-and-tear on heavy vehicles.
The proposed service is also expected to improve cargo reliability by bypassing vulnerable highway stretches, including landslide-prone areas near Udhampur and other sections of the Jammu-Srinagar corridor that routinely witness traffic interruptions.
Industry representatives believe the arrangement could strengthen freight movement during adverse weather and ensure more predictable delivery schedules.
Apart from economic gains, the RO-RO proposal is also being viewed as a measure that may reduce heavy-vehicle pressure on mountain roads and help ease congestion along critical highway segments.
The initiative builds upon existing railway freight measures already introduced in Jammu and Kashmir, including Joint Parcel Product Cargo Services supporting local produce transportation and specialized air-conditioned cargo trains for moving perishable fruit from the Valley.
While consultations and planning are underway, railway authorities have not yet announced a formal operational timeline for the proposed Truck-on-Train service. [KNT]
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